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Bill Clinton surpasses Barack Obama in popularity

1. For the first time in Gallup polling former President Bill Clinton has eclipsed President Barack Obama in popularity, a reminder of the political difficulties posed by governing and of Clinton's strength as a surrogate for Democratic candidates this fall.

More than six in ten (61 percent) of all adults see Clinton in a favorable light as compared to 52 percent who say the same of Obama. (Former President George W. Bush is, not surprisingly, at the bottom of that list with 45 percent of people viewing him in a favorable light.)

While self-identifying Democrats like both men immensely -- 89 percent favorable for Clinton, 86 percent favorable for Obama -- Clinton has a double digit bulge over Obama among independents and Republicans.

The Gallup data shows that Obama and Clinton have been on two very different paths in terms of public opinion since the 2008 election.

When Obama took over the White House in January 2009, more than three quarters (78 percent) felt favorably toward him, while Clinton, still damaged from the overtly political role he had played on his wife's behalf during the presidential primaries, was mired in the mid 50s.

Clinton's favorable numbers have steadily increased since that time while Obama's have steadily dropped -- reaching and holding in the lows 50s since the spring of this year.

The numbers provide a potent reminder that no matter how popular or well liked a politician is when he (or she) runs for and wins an office, the perils of governing make staying that popular impossible.

Obama had further to fall than almost any other modern politician because he swept into office on such a high note but the choices he has made in office have, inevitably, taken some of the shine off of his image.

Clinton, on the other hand, has watched his approval ratings yo-yo over the last several years -- dipping badly during the 2008 presidential race but recovering nicely now that he is largely removed from the daily political grind.

Seen through a political lens, the numbers suggest that Clinton and not Obama may well be the more effective surrogate this fall for Democrats running in tough races around the country. His high favorable numbers among independents -- and the fact that one in three Republicans like him -- make him the sort of person that can go into culturally conservative areas and serve as a credible salesman for the Democratic brand.

Clinton has already done so in places like his native Arkansas -- for Sen. Blanche Lincoln -- and southwestern Pennsylvania in the special election to replace the late Rep. John Murtha (D). Expect more of Clinton on the campaign trail in the weeks and months to come.

The RNC paid off all of the debts in June but that still means that it currently has less than $9 million on hand compared to $11 million for the Democratic National Committee (Worth noting: Democrats had $3.9 million in debts at the end of June).

In the second quarter, the DNC slightly outperformed its Republican counterpart: The DNC outraised the RNC $6.4 million to $5.9 million last month and $23.4 million to $19.3 million in the second quarter (April 1 to June 30).

The RNC debt controversy also comes on the heels of new numbers released by the parties' Senate campaign committees this week showing that Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee pulled in $7.1 million in June and have $21 million in their coffers, while the National Republican Senatorial Committee raised $4 million in June and has nearly $20 million on hand.

The latest kerfuffle at the RNC has some of its members fretting about the effect the series of controversies will have on the party's ability to compete in the fall. One RNC member said that the committee's July fundraising numbers are "not good" and that its next report will show the committee in a "seriously weakened position." Added the source: "The fear that everyone has is that these problems, both real and imaginary, are going to affect the ability for us to win some seats."

3. The bizarre saga that is former Connecticut Republican Rep. Rob Simmons' on-again, off-again 2010 Senate effort took its oddest turn yet Wednesday when the sort-of candidate launched a new television commercial.

Simmons maintains he is not re-activating his campaign, which he suspended in late May due to the overwhelming financial advantage for former wrestling executive Linda McMahon, in advance of the Aug. 10 primary. But he is using about $350,000 in leftover funds to go up with an ad reminding voters that he's "still on the ballot" in case they want to vote for him. (Um, what?)

"In the Republican primary on Aug. 10, you do have a choice," Simmons says in the ad. "I'm Rob Simmons, I'm still on the ballot, and I approved this message."

Top staffers from Simmons' aborted campaign were not involved in the creation of the ads, and the candidate is also using a new media consultant -- a reflection that not everyone is on board with whatever strategy Simmons is pursuing.

It's hard to see what Simmons is trying to accomplish with the ads, besides pursuing a vanity project. A Quinnipiac poll released Friday shows him trailing McMahon by 27 points with three weeks to go. McMahon, who has significant personal wealth, also has the ability to drown out Simmons ads with her own should she choose to.

McMahon spokesman Ed Patru said the Simmons situation has turned into a sideshow. "Today, we are as confused as everyone else," Patru said. "Rob Simmons has said many times he's a man of his word, and we take him at his word. Should he decide to officially un-curtail his campaign, we're prepared for that, as we have been since September 2009."

Simmons had $885,000 on hand at the end of the June, meaning he would still have another half million dollars to spend if he wants to.

Simmons's aides have been quick to shoot down speculation that the former congressman would get back in the race. From his ad and his words, though, it's clear where the candidate's heart is.

The winner of the primary will likely face state Attorney General Dick Blumenthal in the fall. Polling shows Blumnenthal as a clear favorite against all comers.

4. Anew poll shows Sen. Lisa Murkowski decimating her little-known Republican primary opponent with about a month to go until the August 24 primary.

The poll, which was conducted by Anchorage-based pollster Ivan Moore, shows Murkowski leading attorney Joe Miller , who has been endorsed by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her husband, 62 percent to 30 percent.

The poll's results, however, indicate that Miller has a long way to go in terms of recognition statewide: only 18 percent of respondents viewed him positively, while 13 percent viewed him negatively. That means that nearly seven in ten respondents didn't know enough about Miller to offer an opinion, a wide name identification gap to make up in the next month.

Miller has been backed by the Tea Party Express, which has indicated that it may spend as much as $1 million on the race. That kind of spending could indeed move Miller's numbers up but the poll shows he remains a decided underdog at the moment.

5. The National Republican Congressional Committee expanded its list of House targets Wednesday to include some heavily Democratic territory.

The NRCC added challengers to several entrenched Democratic incumbents in deep blue districts to its watch list -- an effort aimed at broadening the playing field in advance of the November midterm elections.

Among the new additions: Delia Lopez, who is running against Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer in a district that went for President Barack Obama with 71 percent of the vote in 2008, and author Star Parker who is running against California Rep. Laura Richardson in a strongly Democratic district. The GOP is also adding candidates in solidly blue districts held by Reps. Dennis Kucinich , Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) and Marcy Kaptur .

Other additions include two candidates in retiring Michigan Rep. Bart Stupak's very competitive 1st district, two candidates in for the open Louisiana seat currently held by Rep. Charlie Melancon and challengers to Iowa Democratic Reps. Bruce Braley, David Loebsack and Leonard Boswell.

The NRCC has cast a very wide net with its recruiting program in 2010. The addition of 19 candidates to the first stage of the so called "Young Guns" program brings the program's overall membership to more than 120 candidates.

While the effort is largely viewed as a success within the Republican conference several candidates touted by national GOPers -- Vaughn Ward in Idaho, Ethan Hastert in Illinois and Jim Gibbons in Iowa to name three -- have come up short in their primaries.

Its a Slow Work Cycle and a Big A!! Desperate Leap to Say that People if given a Chance would Vote to Have Bill Clinton Truly Back in the White House, Knowing his Character, or shall I say, Lack Thereof, Back in the Oval office [Again]

I think the big difference between 42 and 44 comes down to raw personality and likeability. Even people who would never vote for Clinton grew to love him during his term.. on a personal level. He was genuine in his charm.. he stops the room when he walks in. One could argue that Obama had the same effect when he came on the scene, but I would argue that he was more the beneficiary of the Bush backfire.

Posted by: Lefty_
------------------------------------------
The act of preference for something white over something black, or even commenting on someone black is by liberal definition “racist”. I know...some of your best friends are black. That goes unsaid.

Of course Bill Clinton is more popular than the President right now. Clinton doesn't have to make the tough decisions and take the tough stands. Clinton doesn't have to clean up the messes George Bush -- and Bill Clinton -- left behind. Clinton has no accountability -- he's all mouth just like he was as President.

Nor does Bill Clinton face the unrelenting attacks of the Republican/Tea Party Big Lie machine and its broadcasting partner Fox News. Bill Clinton is just in a great political place -- he can speechify all he likes and enjoy absolutely no accountability. He has no responsibilities. What a deal!

Oh come on the people of this country are not going to donate and volunteer ourselves out of the current mess when we need a completely new model for the 21st century not based on the wasted resources on wars of destructiona and rebuilding and war in commerce, law, international affairs, academic performance, and superego enhancement. We need a model for sustainable no growth eoo-economic living within the means of our planet for the first time in human history or we may be the cause of our own extinction soon.

Bill Clinton has an advantage over President Obama. Clinton's term is over. No one is trying to influence him in the same way they try to influence a president.

I find it amazing. Whether you are right wing or progressive you may not like President Obama. We live in a world where we ignore the things the president does which our side would agree with and spend all our time complaining about the things the president doesn't do. We gripe to try to influence.

An effective former president like Clinton (he actually tried to deal with the deficit) will often be easier to like than a sitting president.

NEITHER BOZOBAMA NOR BILLBIGNOSE IS A SAINT. BOZO FOR SURE IS WRONG FOR AMERICA. FOLKS, HOW CAN SOMEONE PERHAPS BORN IN KENYA, WHO WENT TO MOSLEM SCHOOLS AS A YOUNG PERSON IN INDONESIA, WHO MAYBE GREW UP IN HAWAII ANYTHING BUT A NONCULTURAL AMERICAN. BOZO'S CULTURAL HERITAGE IS NOT TRUE AMERICAN LIKE BILL'S IS. OBAMA IS NOT NOT NOT CULTURALLY AN AMERICAN. YOU CANNOT BE BORN IN KENYA, BE RAISED IN INDONESIA, GROW TO YOUNG ADULTHOOD IN HAWAII (HAWAII IS NOTHING LIKE KANSAS OR NEBRASKA OR ILLINOIS OR MISSOURI) AND CLAIM TO BE CULTURALLY AN AMERICAN. THAT IS LIKE THE PRESENT ROYAL FAMILY IS CULTURALLY OF GERMANIC EXTRACTION BUT THEY REIGN AS ENGLISHMEN. ELIZABETH'S CIRECT ANCESTORS ARE GERMAN, AND PRINCE PHILLIP'S HERITAGE IS GREEK, YET THEY REIGN AS MONARCHS IN ENGLAND. IT IS JUST AS PECULIAR.

NEITHER BOZOBAMA NOR BILLBIGNOSE IS A SAINT. BOZO FOR SURE IS WRONG FOR AMERICA. FOLKS, HOW CAN SOMEONE PERHAPS BORN IN KENYA, WHO WENT TO MOSLEM SCHOOLS AS A YOUNG PERSON IN INDONESIA, WHO MAYBE GREW UP IN HAWAII ANYTHING BUT A NONCULTURAL AMERICAN. BOZO'S CULTURAL HERITAGE IS NOT TRUE AMERICAN LIKE BILL'S IS. OBAMA IS NOT NOT NOT CULTURALLY AN AMERICAN. YOU CANNOT BE BORN IN KENYA, BE RAISED IN INDONESIA, GROW TO YOUNG ADULTHOOD IN HAWAII (HAWAII IS NOTHING LIKE KANSAS OR NEBRASKA OR ILLINOIS OR MISSOURI) AND CLAIM TO BE CULTURALLY AN AMERICAN. THAT IS LIKE THE PRESENT ROYAL FAMILY IS CULTURALLY OF GERMANIC EXTRACTION BUT THEY REIGN AS ENGLISHMEN. ELIZABETH'S CIRECT ANCESTORS ARE GERMAN, AND PRINCE PHILLIP'S HERITAGE IS GREEK, YET THEY REIGN AS MONARCHS IN ENGLAND. IT IS JUST AS PECULIAR.

NEITHER BOZOBAMA NOR BILLBIGNOSE IS A SAINT. BOZO FOR SURE IS WRONG FOR AMERICA. FOLKS, HOW CAN SOMEONE PERHAPS BORN IN KENYA, WHO WENT TO MOSLEM SCHOOLS AS A YOUNG PERSON IN INDONESIA, WHO MAYBE GREW UP IN HAWAII ANYTHING BUT A NONCULTURAL AMERICAN. BOZO'S CULTURAL HERITAGE IS NOT TRUE AMERICAN LIKE BILL'S IS. OBAMA IS NOT NOT NOT CULTURALLY AN AMERICAN. YOU CANNOT BE BORN IN KENYA, BE RAISED IN INDONESIA, GROW TO YOUNG ADULTHOOD IN HAWAII (HAWAII IS NOTHING LIKE KANSAS OR NEBRASKA OR ILLINOIS OR MISSOURI) AND CLAIM TO BE CULTURALLY AN AMERICAN. THAT IS LIKE THE PRESENT ROYAL FAMILY IS CULTURALLY OF GERMANIC EXTRACTION BUT THEY REIGN AS ENGLISHMEN. ELIZABETH'S CIRECT ANCESTORS ARE GERMAN, AND PRINCE PHILLIP'S HERITAGE IS GREEK, YET THEY REIGN AS MONARCHS IN ENGLAND. IT IS JUST AS PECULIAR.

NEITHER BOZOBAMA NOR BILLBIGNOSE IS A SAINT. BOZO FOR SURE IS WRONG FOR AMERICA. FOLKS, HOW CAN SOMEONE PERHAPS BORN IN KENYA, WHO WENT TO MOSLEM SCHOOLS AS A YOUNG PERSON IN INDONESIA, WHO MAYBE GREW UP IN HAWAII ANYTHING BUT A NONCULTURAL AMERICAN. BOZO'S CULTURAL HERITAGE IS NOT TRUE AMERICAN LIKE BILL'S IS. OBAMA IS NOT NOT NOT CULTURALLY AN AMERICAN. YOU CANNOT BE BORN IN KENYA, BE RAISED IN INDONESIA, GROW TO YOUNG ADULTHOOD IN HAWAII (HAWAII IS NOTHING LIKE KANSAS OR NEBRASKA OR ILLINOIS OR MISSOURI) AND CLAIM TO BE CULTURALLY AN AMERICAN. THAT IS LIKE THE PRESENT ROYAL FAMILY IS CULTURALLY OF GERMANIC EXTRACTION BUT THEY REIGN AS ENGLISHMEN. ELIZABETH'S CIRECT ANCESTORS ARE GERMAN, AND PRINCE PHILLIP'S HERITAGE IS GREEK, YET THEY REIGN AS MONARCHS IN ENGLAND. IT IS JUST AS PECULIAR.

NEITHER BOZOBAMA NOR BILLBIGNOSE IS A SAINT. BOZO FOR SURE IS WRONG FOR AMERICA. FOLKS, HOW CAN SOMEONE PERHAPS BORN IN KENYA, WHO WENT TO MOSLEM SCHOOLS AS A YOUNG PERSON IN INDONESIA, WHO MAYBE GREW UP IN HAWAII ANYTHING BUT A NONCULTURAL AMERICAN. BOZO'S CULTURAL HERITAGE IS NOT TRUE AMERICAN LIKE BILL'S IS. OBAMA IS NOT NOT NOT CULTURALLY AN AMERICAN. YOU CANNOT BE BORN IN KENYA, BE RAISED IN INDONESIA, GROW TO YOUNG ADULTHOOD IN HAWAII (HAWAII IS NOTHING LIKE KANSAS OR NEBRASKA OR ILLINOIS OR MISSOURI) AND CLAIM TO BE CULTURALLY AN AMERICAN. THAT IS LIKE THE PRESENT ROYAL FAMILY IS CULTURALLY OF GERMANIC EXTRACTION BUT THEY REIGN AS ENGLISHMEN. ELIZABETH'S CIRECT ANCESTORS ARE GERMAN, AND PRINCE PHILLIP'S HERITAGE IS GREEK, YET THEY REIGN AS MONARCHS IN ENGLAND. IT IS JUST AS PECULIAR.

Bill Clinton didn't quit his job in the middle of the term so he could make more money like $arah did, 12 Bar, maybe that has something to do with it. Or maybe it's just the policies he favors are more popular wiht people than hers. That would be my guess.

drindl wrote: The public always favors those who don't have hard choices to make,
---------------------------------
Then, Mrs. Palin's favorability should be sky high instead of only 37%. Her only hard choice is whether to wear those Faragamo patent leathers or the Gucci lizard skin 3" heels.

This could be an important story in states having close elections this fall:

"The recession that impoverished millions of Americans is producing a side effect: new voters.
Lawsuits by voting rights groups in Missouri and Ohio have led hundreds of thousands of people to file voter registration applications at welfare agencies, as mandated by the 1993 National Voter Registration Act, or the "motor voter" law. Cases pending in Indiana, New Mexico and other states, as well as new Justice Department guidelines, probably will boost those figures."

Voting rights advocates say millions of low-income people could be registered this way. A U.S. Election Assistance Commission report in 2007-08 showed 21 states registered less than 1% of voters at welfare offices. Only Vermont, Tennessee and New York registered more than 4% that way."

The GOP hasn't much powder left to keep dry and the administration has plenty. They think and create. Clinton will help where he can. So will all the team players. Its a different style than that of the GOP.

The Gop like to own things and collect - that's all. Even investment is frowned upon, I mean, if it ain't broke, why build a better mouse trap? EH?

The Dems may span a broader idealogical field, but they are protean, at least the leadership is. And that will make all the difference. Creating real solutions for real problems.

That WJC should now be more popular than Obama
Must to the former great comfort be--
After all he thought the latter unqualified
(Then--and likely today) for presidency.

Of course, when WJC was still in the game
He didn't conform to rules of decorum
(Especially vis a vis interns in the Oval Office
When only two constituted a quorum).

In any event, neither one (for some strange reason)
Competes with GW for the "unpopular prize"--
Likely because their "kingly lack of clothing"
Isn't apparent to those who can't see, despite having eyes.

"In a month or so, we will roll out a second phase of our new discussion system -- one that will highlight posts by our top contributors, those whose comments are consistently thoughtful and insightful ... Top contributors will be chosen based on the quality and civility of their arguments".

Is the Morning Fix now an "Open Forum" free-for-all? Will those of us who comment only on Topics #1-5 be rewarded under the new system or can we now go off-topic on what we consider to be more important economic and political issues?

TO: woof3 who wrote:
“…Obama called Bill Clinton a racist during the campaign …
… Hillary was driven out of the race by MSM …
“…Obama lost me with his desire to provide amnesty to illegal aliens …
… He insulted Bill Clinton …
… black America turned away from Clinton …

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Lies, lies, lies, lies, and more lies.
I beginning to believe that this is not just lying from being too stupid, but intentional, cold blooded lies to keep misinformation flowing.
Who’d you learn this type of demagoguery from, George W. Bush, Carl Rove, Dick Cheney and the other thugs that ran this country into the ground?
Without addressing your plethora of lies, I will say this:
Bill Clinton’s office is in Harlem, New York because white America turned away from President Bill Clinton.

jake: its another one of Felicia and Aaron's attacks on POTUS Obama. Stopped counting at 10 since everone of their threads find fault with Obama and Ds. The TeaParty and the GOP raison d'etre is suddenly reducing the deficit. Bernaki's comment a few minutes ago that Now is Not the the time for budget cutting is a lot more significant then Aaron's daily screed against Obama.Aron you don't care for Obama, we get it. Whys should we waste our afternoon discussing why Aaron and Felicia do not care for Obama. Who cares?

When Obama called Bill Clinton a racist during the campaign, I cringed but I voted for him anyway, since Hillary was driven out of the race by MSM. I believed it would be helpful for race relations in this country to elect a black man. Now, I see that isn't true and I hope Republicans can come up with a better idea.

Obama's people have played the race card too often. Against Clinton, against Obama's grandmother, in their support of Rev. Wright and the Black Panthers, in suing Arizona.

Obama lost me with his desire to provide amnesty to illegal aliens: it stinks of a "permanent Democratic majority" which is no better than Rove's "permanent Republican majority. And again, it's racist: illegal aliens provide illegal labor and hurt white, black and legal immigrant communities in numerous ways.

This country doesn't need an elitist of any color in the White House, and certainly not a man whose people yell "racism" every time the public disagrees with him.

He insulted Bill Clinton and he shouldn't have, while black America turned away from Clinton: our first "black president" wasn't black enough, apparently. I don't blame them for that turn of events, but the ongoing charges of racism are too much.

CHRIS CILLIZZA IS A LOPSIDED-RIGHT-WING- REPORTER WHOM SHOULD BE REPLACED ALONG WITH BALZ AND COHEN COME NOVEMBER 5

JOE BIDEN AND NANCY PELOSI IS RIGHT

OBAMA HAS GOT TO GET RID OF GIBBS...OR TELL HIM TO STOP GOING INTO RAHM OFFICE FOR PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT OBAMA LISTEN TO KEITH OLBERMANN AND STOP LETTING RAHM MAKING YOU INTO WHAT HE IS....A SILK SHIRT WEARING BELTWAY BACKROOM DEALING POLITICIAN...CAN'T YOU BE YOUR OWN MAN

AND THE LONGER YOU WAIT TO TALK TO MS. SHERROD THE MORE YOUR SUPPORT WILL DECLINE IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY

RAHM EMANUEL HAS PROVING TO THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY THAT WE DON'T WANT HIS POLITIKING AND WHEN HE LEAVE HE CAN TAKE THAT BORING TIM KAINE WITH HIM

OBAMA HAS LET RAHM EMANUEL MAKE HIS ADMINISTRATION LOOK LIKE A MAX BAUCUS/BEN NELSON/JOE LIEBERMAN...ROLLED ALL IN ONE

OBAMA SEEMS TO LOST HIS "FIRED UP" BECAUSE INSTEAD OF HIM HANDLING THE PROBLEM STRAIGHT ON...HE SENDS OUT "TIPPY-TOES" AND RAHM MUST REALIZED HE DIDN'T MAKE OBAMA PRESIDENCY HAPPEN JUST BECAUSE HE'S UNDER SOME FALSE ILLUSION THAT HE RECREATED THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

WHAT A LITTLE TWIT...SEND YOUR COS PACKING ASAP...WHILE THERE'S STILL A CHANCE OF YOU SAVING YOUR PRESIDENCY

A FOOTNOTE TO THE MEDIA IDIOTS LIKE CHRIS

JUST BECAUSE YOU KEEP PUTTING OUT NEGATIVE NEWS ABOUT THE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT OR HARRY REID...DOES NOT MEAN WE STILL WON'T "CRUSH" THE GOP

THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMANN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT
THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMANN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT
THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMANN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT
THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMANN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT
THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMANN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT!!!!!
THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMANN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT!!!!!
THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMANN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT!!!!!
THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMANN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT!!!!!
THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMANN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT!!!!!

CHRIS CILLIZZA IS A LOPSIDED-RIGHT-WING- REPORTER WHOM SHOULD BE REPLACED ALONG WITH BALZ AND COHEN COME NOVEMBER 5

THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY WIPE UP THE FACES OF ANYONE WHO THINKS THE GOP HAS A CHANCE OF COMING BACK

PRESIDENT OBAMA LISTEN TO KEITH OLBERMANN AND STOP LETTING RAHM MAKING YOU INTO WHAT HE IS....A SILK SHIRT WEARING BELTWAY BACKROOM DEALING POLITICIAN...CAN'T YOU BE YOUR OWN MAN

AND THE LONGER YOU WAIT TO TALK TO MS. SHERROD THE MORE YOUR SUPPORT WILL DECLINE IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY

RAHM EMANUEL HAS PROVING TO THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY THAT WE DON'T WANT HIS POLITIKING AND WHEN HE LEAVE HE CAN TAKE THAT BORING TIM KAINE WITH HIM

OBAMA HAS LET RAHM EMANUEL MAKE HIS ADMINISTRATION LOOK LIKE A MAX BAUCUS/BEN NELSON/JOE LIEBERMAN...ROLLED ALL IN ONE

OBAMA SEEMS TO LOST HIS "FIRED UP" BECAUSE INSTEAD OF HIM HANDLING THE PROBLEM STRAIGHT ON...HE SENDS OUT "TIPPY-TOES" AND RAHM MUST REALIZED HE DIDN'T MAKE OBAMA PRESIDENCY HAPPEN JUST BECAUSE HE'S UNDER SOME FALSE ILLUSION THAT HE RECREATED THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

WHAT A LITTLE TWIT...SEND YOUR COS PACKING ASAP...WHILE THERE'S STILL A CHANCE OF YOU SAVING YOUR PRESIDENCY

A FOOTNOTE TO THE MEDIA IDIOTS LIKE CHRIS

JUST BECAUSE YOU KEEP PUTTING OUT NEGATIVE NEWS ABOUT THE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT OR HARRY REID...DOES NOT MEAN WE STILL WON'T "CRUSH" THE GOP

THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMAN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT
THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMAN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT
THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMAN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT
THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMAN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT
THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMAN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT
THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMAN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT
THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMAN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT
THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMAN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT
THANK YOU KEITH OLBERMAN FOR THAT COMMENT WE NEEDED THAT

1. Ex-presidents are generally gain in popularity once they leave office (even Nixon bumped up a bit years later), so Bill Clinton's current popularity or even W's rebound shouldn't be a surprise.

2. Both committees have money. Both committees are raising money. Until that changes significantly, it's politics as usual, gnashing and wailing notwithstanding.

3. It's hard for Simmons, a career public servant who by all accounts takes his responsbilities seriously, to deal with the fact that he's essentially being blown out of contention by a rich lady from a sports-based soap opera.

4. I don't see Miller as a serious threat to Murkowski. Paln's endorsement makes the news cycle, but her stock in Alaska isn't what it used to be. Is there a likely Democratic challenger in Alaska and does that person have any chance?

5. Republicans may simply be publicizing a larger target list as a mind-share move to give the impression that they're so strong that they can attack the Dems in their traditional strongholds. They're not like to win those "true Blue" seats, but they can try to generate fear, uncertainty and doubt among Democrats (not hard to do, apparently) simply by making the statement.

"Obama's have steadily dropped -- reaching and holding in the lows 50s since the spring of this year."

Baloney.

Barry is at 46 percent in Gallup poll of "adults living in the U.S. (not that includes foreigners too, and people not registered to vote). Funny how Cillizza the hack cites the Gallup poll when it is to his liking but when the same poll shows Barry underwater at 46 percent, Cillizza the WaPo hack is mute on the subject.

Barry the inept bungler is at 44 percent among likely voters in the Rasmussen poll.

Barry is at 44 percent job approval among registered voters in the Quinnipiac poll.

Clinton's economic policies were widely lauded because the economy was coincidentally doing well when they were passed, but had a LOT to do with the mess we're in right now. Bush may have expanded Clinton-style policies a bit, but Clinton really enabled the meltdown.

Which is not to say Barack doesn't have his drawbacks, but I sure rate him higher in my book, since he's doing a pretty good job getting us out of the mess Clinton (with some help from Dubya) got us in.

2. Real cash certainly has a real effect on elections. However, many Republicans not happy with Steele may give their contributions to some other organization than the RGA. Still, the RGA is just behind the DGA. In the Senate, both parties are right there next to one another. But, the Republican candidates seem to have enourmous sums of money compared to their Democratic opponents: take Burr, Grassley & Portman. That knocks out the idea the NRSC committe will have to spend to keep NC & Ohio, states the Democrats hoped would be swing states this year. The NRSC seems to only have to really spend to defend 3 states: Florida, Missouri & Kentucky. That leaves alot of room for offense while Democrats may be forced to play defense this cycle. Senate Republicans have a huge cash advantage. I think tremendous spending will go to the House elections this cycle, as the NRCC chairman predicts a net 40 seat gain for Republicans this cycle.

3. Simmons is running a bizarre campaign. But it won't change the outcome, as this will be a McMahon vs. Blumenthal GE. McMahon's money will tighten this race and it will be close, as Blumenthal came in with extremely high negatives but they have been falling since the election began. Make no mistake, Blumenthal is the front runner but McMahon's money will keep it close.

4. This Murkowski vs. Palin rilvalry sort of resembles the Hatfields vs. McCoy's. Palin's campaign to endorse "Momma Grizzley's who support common sense solutions to America's problems" are far more effective than heading to Alaska on a personal vendeda against Murkowski (as noted by Mark in Austin). This endorsement will be seen by people in Alaska as a family vendeda and they like Murkowski. Now, there are 3 debates between now and the primary. Murkowski voted for TARP and they say she supports Cap & Trade, although I have never heard that from Murkowski. Either way, Murkowski has lots of money and is likely on her way to reelection, despite Palin's endorsement.

5. Republicans know they must capitalize on the opportunity presented them. They will likely gain 40 seats or so and take the majority, and their trying to maximize their opportunity. It's just smart.

12BB, your impassioned but rational argument for "hanging the criminal" and not the victim caught my attention this morning, when I saw it.

While Breitbart and FOX defamed the victim, and she was not a public person who is to be denied recourse under the doctrine of "NYT v. Sullivan", it was the USDA that forced her resignation. We have read that she was a civil service employee, entitled to notice and an opportunity to be heard. If so, the Admin's actual reaction was worthy of stern rebuke,as BB has argued, IMO. The USDA's immediate attempt to right its wrong against her was the correct thing to do, of course.

Ask the average US voter who is more popular, and they will gladly and quickly respond. Ask them a substantive question about a serious policy matter, and all you get is a regurgitation of some talk show host's rant. That is if you are lucky. More likely, you'll get a blank stare.

The Clinton-topping-Obama poll is just a case of familiarity breeding contempt. If Clinton was in the public eye as much as Obama, his numbers would suffer.

Another poll last week said most Republican presidential challengers would beat Obama if the election were today (the lone exception was Palin). Huckabee and Romney have been out of the public eye - they did great. Obama and Palin are on camera every day. They're doing poorly.

Good news for the racist and good news for Obama. Racist only look at color so it should make them very happy. Obama and the rest of the non racist people know Bill set a mark for others to reach. Being human with the faults we were born with and respecting all people is what Bill does. Asking God for forgiveness in public took guts. Many ask for forgiveness without the public knowledge. Accepting responsibility and raising a respectful daughter with so many evil people is a job well done by Bill/Hillary. Parents are the example to kids and we have some poor examples of parents today. Obama has made his place and will grow as he learns and does the honest work he was elected to do. Notice how Daddy Bush isn't in the running after seeing his two worthless sons.

Hey, all you commenters! STOP ASKING CLINTON TO HELP OBAMA WITH THIS AGENDA! YOU SHOULD BE ASKING HIM TO TELL HIS WIFE THAT SHE SHOULD CHALLENGE OBAMA IN 2012! HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT IN 2012! DUMP OBAMA! HE'S TOXIC WASTE!

Maybe it has something to do with allot more americans had jobs back then and clinton adopted republican job creations ideas ?verses having an ideologue Marxist as president.I don't know, it's just a thought.

All of those cell towers you see all over America are NOT all for phone calls.

Some of them are TORTURE TOWERS — part of a nationwide microwave/laser radio frequency “directed energy weapon” system that is being used by operatives of the multi-agency Homeland Security-run “fusion center” network to silently torture, impair, and physically and neurologically degrade the functioning and well-being of extrajudicially, unjustly ‘”targeted” citizens.

And the criminal use of this precision-targeted domestic weapon system to attack and impair U.S. citizens is being done WITHOUT THE KNOWLEDGE AND CONSENT OF CONGRESS or high state officials.

Of course Clinton is more popular.
He has not had to make important decisions, face the distortions, lies, hate and anger promoted by the right, been the victim of a political party whose goal is destroy our president, win at any cost, a party that has thrown all integrity, honor, responsibility to the wind, put the survial of us and our country on the back burner.
Then there are those who let theirselves be manipulated, used by these politicans, the media and the radicals, without ever checking for facts, what is hot air and what is truth going so far as to quote the misinformation.

Here's an excerpt from Fix coworker Eugene Robinson's "Standing Up to the Breitbarts" (this is the title in the print version of the Post) today. A superb piece about how right wing media functionaries are using racial stunts and tiresome false narratives to undermine 44's Presidency.
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"The Sherrod case has fully exposed the right-wing campaign to use racial fear to destroy Obama's presidency, and I hope the effect is to finally stiffen some spines in the administration. The way to deal with bullies is to confront them, not run away. Yet Sherrod was fired before even being allowed to tell her side of the story. She said the official who carried out the execution explained that she had to resign immediately because the story was going to be on Glenn Beck's show that evening. Ironically, Beck was the only Fox host who, upon hearing the rest of Sherrod's speech, promptly called for her to be reinstated."
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BTW, does Fix know this guy Breitbart?

If so, maybe he could give Mr. Robinson some insight into Breitbart's agenda. Just sayin'.

It seems to me that the numbers indicate both sides are in trouble. Maybe the good thing about this election is the candidates must really speak to he people - no one side appears to have a shoe in, so the RNC donors seem to believe

Obama's numbers are tanking just as Bush's numbers did after the effect of the repeal of the Glass Stegal act raises it's ugly policy and we see how disastrous Clinton was. So what that he ended his term with a surplus. His legacy of policies are rank.

I don't think the update has worked. We seem to be adding trolls, not getting rid of them.

Having Bill Clinton could be a powerful ally for some of these states where you have a high Dem ID, but seems to turn red come election time. Remember that Clinton won Louisiana and Kentucky both times and both of them have high profile Senate races. Both of them have high Dem ID, but don't really take to black guys with funny names. Clinton's electoral victories in KY and LA were ages ago, but his appeal should still play, especially in Kentucky where the race will probably be really close. (As opposed to Louisiana where Melancon is a huge underdog. His success is most likely dependent on Vitter and Traylor bloodying each other up in the primary.)

Clinton also took WVa twice if some turns make that race competitive. Obama took PA and OH, but those states seem tailor made for Clinton's style.

And, um, he should totally get involved in the LA-2 race and stump for whoever ends up challenging Cao. Yup.

Obama is getting sucked into the Clinton repeal of the Glass Stegal act just as Bush did. Clinton, and Congress, Grahm, Leahy and Bililey passed the most disastrous bill of all time. General public just is too too slow to realize what the facts are. They just think well Clinton left with a surplus so he must have been good. Leaving out of the picture what Bush and Obama have been grappling with. This pole is a joke.

#1-I think it is also interesting that Obama's approval is going up again at 52%. And of course Clinton is popular, he has done nothing stupid lately, and his wife is turning out to be one of the best SOS we have had in a while. I don't know what her plans are, but I would love to see her as the next UN Secretary General.

#2-Steele should quit today. It is getting pitiful watching the implosion of the RNC (not that I am not happy it is happening). If the GOP doesn't take back the house this election (which I don't think they will) it will be laid nicely at Michael Steele's feet.

#3-Congratulations Senator Blumenthal

#4-Palin's approval in Alaska is 47%. That should tell you something.

#5-The NRCC can say that they are expanding their operation but I will beleive it when they actually send a sizeable amount of money to those candidates. I would bet that they will actually donate to 45 races next fall. The dmeocrats on the other hand will have the money to go after those 45 and 15-20 more. All in all I just don't see the takeover happening.

Some of my liberal friends (in 2008) were going on and one about.. how they wished Bill Clinton could run for President again. They became these weird Obama clones for a while, but they never mention him now.. we are back to talking about watering the lawn and cul de sac humor.

I'm glad to have my friends back, their Obama talk was driving me crazy, it was like sound bites from the talking heads, they bought every morsel that the media handed out. It's been a good eighteen months for healing old wounds.

Congratulations to Alaska, Kentucky, and North Dakota. These are the only states not to have lost jobs since the outrageous looting spree Democrats were pleased to call a "stimulus" package. As you'll recall, the excuse for stealing almost a trillion dollars from our children and grandchildren and flagrantly wasting it was Comrade Obama's promise that this would somehow reduce unemployment.

There is one inspiring success story. The District of Columbia has added 7,800 jobs. They are high paying jobs, too — extremely high paying. So get busy, tax slaves: you're the ones paying them.

The demise of this blog, and indeed the entire nation at the hand of the inept race baiters and media goons is almost complete.

Obungler is so pitifully over his head he is on a hair trigger for criticism. It takes him months to even ack an oil spill , terror attack or war but a race incident gets immediate top level intervention. They don't need to even read a law to know it is racist.

This is the signal that they have abdicated governing and now run the endless campaign. The polls continue to sink because everyone seems to understand who the racists and their collaborating stooges in the press are. It is the last refuge of these inept losers.

I doubt that internal party matters ever translate directly to votes, but actual cash does affect elections, as we know. The party funding will be only one cash factor this cycle.

It does seem that SHP is more effective when she supports female underdog Rs at a distance like Ms. Haley and the woman in GA. Opposing a conservative woman in AK probably appears to be "personal" to AK voters, who know of the Murkowski-Palin history. Thus her antipathy to Sen. Murkowski is probably useless to Miller.

Unless Miller would only be polling at 25% without SHP's endorsement. Then it usefulness is, shall we say, limited.